The Malaysian economy decelerated as
solid domestic demand was not sufficient to offset a
weakening external environment. Private consumption growth
continued at a healthy... Show More + pace. Favorable rubber and palm oil
prices drove up incomes of smallholders while continued
employment and wage growth supported urban incomes. In
contrast, fixed investment was more volatile, with private
investment showing signs of picking up while public
investments lagged. Malaysia's overall balance of
payments recorded a larger surplus in the first half of the
year reflecting a widening current account surplus and
substantial net financial inflows. Malaysia's open
economy is expected to slow further in the remainder of 2011
and into early 2012 mainly due to the deterioration in the
outlook for external demand. Cities are central to
Malaysia's aspiration to become a high-income economy.
Smart cities are skilled and innovative. They play a crucial
role in catalyzing economic growth by generating
productivity gains through agglomeration economies. Smart
cities are green and sustainable. They ensure a high quality
of life to all citizens and the sustainability of economic
gains. Finally, smart cities are resilient. Show Less -